Canadians leave 31 million vacation days unused each year: Study

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Canadians leave 31 million vacation days unused each year, according to the latest Vacation Deprivation survey from Expedia.ca.

The study says the average Canadian is skipping out on three days of earned vacation every year; meaning they’re missing three potential sunsets, three potential glasses of wine on the patio or three strolls along the beach. The study also found that the average Canadian receives 17.3 days off from their employer, but takes only 14.

More than a quarter (27%) of Canadians go a year or more without taking a holiday, while 36% said they go six months to a year without a break.

Although most of us leave vacation days behind, 62% of Canadians said they feel deserve more vacation days then they get. Sixty eight per cent said they consider holiday travel a necessity, not a luxury.

On a regional basis, the study found that Quebeckers take more vacation days (16) than other Canadians. Atlantic Canadians and folks in the Prairies reported taking an average of 14 days, while Ontario and B.C. residents report they take only 13 days.

Of those who don’t take their full allotment of vacation days, 17% said it’s because their work schedule doesn’t permit it. This goes particularly for miillenials. The survey found that younger Canadians (ages 18-34) say they rarely take all their holidays because they’re too busy at work. They also feel more guilty about taking vacation days and are more likely to check their work email or voicemail on the beach in Jamaica or up at the cottage.

When we do go away, however, we seem to make the most of it on social media. The Expedia.ca study found that almost half of Canadian travellers (45%) share photos on social media as they feel it “validates their experience.” Almost as many (43%) said it’s important they capture the perfect holiday photo for their social media audience.

The study also found that an incredible one in five of us said they would “risk their personal safety” to get the perfect “look how much fun I’m having” shot for Instagram or Facebook.